The Wizard of Oz

A stunning pop-up picture book of L Frank Baums classic tale that has to be seen to be believed! Even those who have never read Baums novel know the story of Dorothy and Toto and their adventures in the magical land of Oz. After a cyclone whisks them away from their Kansas prairie homestead, Dorothy and Toto head to Oz to see the Wizard they hope can get them home again. On the way they meet the faint-hearted Lion, the brainless Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman who wishes he had a heart. When they arrive in the Emerald City and meet the Wizard he says he will only grant their wishes if they can destroy the Wicked Witch of the West. This pop-up book contains an abridged version of the original but still manages to retain the excitement, magic and adventure of the full-length novel. Lots of the original tale is included thanks to clever fold-out/fold-down pages that also enable an incredible 31 separate pop-ups to be included. The artwork throughout the book is in a style similar to that of the original artist, W W Denslow, but with many striking new touches. The paper engineering that has gone into many of the pop-ups is quite spectacular the representations of the tornado that takes Dorothy to the Land of the Munchkins and the balloon that takes her to the country of the Quadlings are stunning. The artwork includes shiny touches of coloured foil and there is also a pair of novelty glasses which give everything in Oz a suitable emerald glow. This is a great book to read to children of six years and upwards and for confident readers aged eight and above. As with all pop-up books it is easily susceptible to damage if not treated with great care although the papercraft seems sturdier than in many similar books and should last well if handled carefully. (Kirkus UK)